The Monroe County Fair is set to return next week for yet another year, and following some unfortunate weather that impacted the last fair, hopes are high for this year’s many events.

Monroe County Fair Association President Don Schrader offered some perspective on last year as well as an overview of what folks can expect with the 2024 fair.

Schrader said the 2023 fair was somewhat weaker than other recent years primarily due to the weather spoiling one of its larger events.

“We ended up with a down year because of our rainout on the Super Stock Tractor Pull on Saturday night,” Schrader said. “That’s always a big night for us… it came with a thunderstorm there at 5:30 in the evening, and we just couldn’t do anything with the track to make a tractor pull work.”

Despite that hit, last year’s fair was still rather solid, with a good number of livestock entries, strong turnout for the Figure 8 Race and Demolition Derby, as well as a profitable livestock auction.

While those attending the 2023 fair might have noticed big additions in a new flag pole, an extension to the goat barn and a re-done floor in the fine arts building, enhancement projects for this year have been slightly more restrained.

Schrader said the big addition this year is a heated and air-conditioned storage and shops shed meant to allow organizers to keep supplies together while also providing a space to care for equipment as the fairgrounds are maintained throughout the year.

“It’s kinda something that we felt was necessary,” Schrader said. “It didn’t necessarily generate a big improvement on the grounds itself, but we continue constantly to maintain and upgrade our facilities. I don’t think our facilities have ever looked better than they do this year.”

He did also note the addition of pens and concrete pads for the hog department as it’s seen some growth, with a notable spike in exhibitors set to present this year.

With nine new swine exhibitors this coming fair, Schrader said livestock entries are strong all around.

He summarized by saying the livestock barns will be full, with total entries either the same or better than last year – though he particularly noted an increase in rabbits and a substantial number of extra beef cattle entries.

“Overall, the livestock exhibits are up a little bit compared to last year,” Schrader said. “We did need to rent a tent this year to handle some extra beef cattle… Entries are very good this year.”

As far as other fair highlights, Schrader pointed to a Clydesdale set to be exhibited Sunday and Thursday evenings – a returning attraction from several years ago – as well as the return of the model train display in the commercial building sponsored by First National Bank of Waterloo.

He further pointed out several fair staples including the always popular demo derby, the truck and tractor pulls, the 4-H auction and horse shows.

Schrader additionally highlighted the queen pageant closing out the first night of the fair this Sunday, with six young women vying for the title of Monroe County Fair Queen and 10 girls similarly hoping to be the next Little Miss Monroe County.

He also expressed his thanks to all of the fair’s supporters, from the businesses and organizations that offer time or donations to those in 4-H and FFA who serve as vital volunteers both during the fair and in the county in general.

“The volunteers in Monroe County and the businesses that show support – either monetary or labor-wise, equipment – is what makes the fair,” Schrader said.

He also voiced hopes about the weather forecast for the week. Though it seems positive, he also remarked that “Mother Nature is in charge.”

The Monroe County Fair begins this Sunday at the fairgrounds, with the Monroe County Fair Queen Pageant closing out the day at 8 p.m.

A full schedule of events along with additional details is available by clicking here.

For photos from last year’s Monroe County Fair, click here.